Joe Benjamin Kelly

Mr. Joe Benjamin Kelley, 86, of Middletown, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at Vindabona Nursing Home. He was 86 years old.

He was predeceased by his wife, Aileen Michael Kelley in August 2006, one brother, Hewes Davis Kelley (Pat) and his wife Miriam, and one nephew, Jay Patrick Kelley.

Born November 24, 1922 in Brunswick, he was the son of the late Hewes Patrick Kelley and Mary Amanda Kelley.

He was a graduate of the Old Brunswick High School, class of 1940. He was married to Aileen in July 1943 and remained married for 63 years, devotedly caring for his wife after her stroke.

He retired from the B & O and Chessie Railroad System with 41 years of service from September of 1941 to November of 1982.

He was a veteran of World War II serving in the army from 2/18/43 to 10/19/45 and was honored with the Purple Heart Commendation for the Battle of the Bulge.

He was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church of Greater Brunswick. He loved working in his shop, drawing and printing, flying his airplane, reading, and spending time with his family. He was a simple, quiet man, a devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather.

He is survived by his only son, Michael Hewes Kelley of Jefferson and his wife Susan Poole Kelley; two granddaughters, Tracey Kelley Franklin and husband Michael Franklin of Middletown, and Tina Kelley Bennett and husband John Bennett of Frederick; two great-granddaughters, Kaylee Marie Franklin and Danica Rae Bennett; one sister-in-law, Eloise Summers of Berryville, Va.; one niece, Sandra Baker and Husband Maniel of Berryville, Va.; great nephews and nieces Scott and Chad Baker of Va., Jacob Hewes Kelley, Jessica Kelley Dankmeyer and Laura Elizabeth Kelley of Hagerstown; and very dear friends and neighbor, Mr. & Mrs. Merle Guyton of Middletown.

Visitation: See above information

Services: Private Viewing and funeral services are being arranged by Stauffer Funeral Home, Brunswick.

Interment will be in the Park Heights Cemetery, Brunswick, Md.

Remembrances and donations in the honor of Mr. Kelley can be made to the New Hope United Methodist Church of Greater Brunswick, 7 South Maryland Avenue, Brunswick, Md., 21716.